A new way to break the silence around women suffering postnatal depression, a condition that affects up to 15 per cent of mothers, is being developed by ANU researchers.
The ANU Medical School is seeking women from around Canberra who have given birth in the last 12 months, and have been assessed as suffering from postnatal depression, to take part in a research study.
Master’s student Ms Rebecca Reay said despite the relatively high incidence of postnatal depression, many women feel unable to tell their partner, family or friends about how they are feeling.
She said these communication problems could amplify feelings of depression, as previous research has indicated a strong link between the quality of women’s relationships and the onset of mental health problems.
“If you look at many of the risk factors for postnatal depression, the common ones are relationship factors, such as social isolation, lack of support and conflicts.
“In addition, many depressed mothers become more sensitive to criticism, irritable, difficult to communicate with or socially withdrawn. These communication problems that are common to depression can further strain relationships and alienate the person in need.”
Co-researcher Rhiannon Mulcahy, a doctorate student at the ANU School of Psychology, said the project aimed to help mothers to deal with depression. “It’s very rewarding to see women enjoying their babies and families again and knowing they have contributed to their own recovery.” She said preliminary results have been promising.
“In a recent pilot study of the group therapy we found that mothers really benefited from learning how others in the group coped with conflicts and stressful situations. They reported a high level of satisfaction with the group therapy and the strategies they learnt.”
Professor Cathy Owen, the director of the Medical Education Unit at ANU, said the study aims to develop communication and coping skills among postnatal depression sufferers. This can help mothers to enlist necessary support during the challenging childbearing years.
Participants in the study will be randomly allocated to either the interpersonal therapy group or ‘treatment at usual’ to investigate whether there are any additional benefits to participating in the therapy group. Those women who wish to apply will need to undertake a brief telephone interview and participate in an initial assessment.
For more information or to take part:
- ANU Academic Unit of Psychological Medicine: (02) 6244 3500
- Rebecca Reay (02) 6244 3875 (Tuesdays and Thursdays), or
- Rhiannon Mulcahy (02) 6205 1469 (Mondays and Thursdays)
|
Also in On Campus for February:
International music council moves to Australian beat
Australia Day Honours for ANU staff members
New bike fleet among largest in nation
Asia Pacific Week biggest yet
Knowledge exchange on the cards
Maths skills to benefit students
Funding call for chronic diseases
Meet John Molony in People@ANU
Briefs
On Campus home
|
